OK for kids 16+
So-so romcom about unlikely couple isn't too racy for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this indie romcom probably won't have much appeal for kids, even many teens. A note of melancholy runs through it, and its themes -- romantic and professional boredom -- are fairly mature, though the film does have interesting things to say about finding your bliss and creating a path for yourself. Swearing (including "f--k") is the main reason for the R rating; there's also a little bit of drinking, one character smokes (though he quits for love), and two people who barely know each other have an intimate interaction that later balloons into a relationship.
- Families can talk about what the movie ultimately says about passion -- romantic or otherwise. Why is it important to be passionate about something? Does Sue and Mike's relationship seem believable? Why does it hit so many road bumps? Why does Sue figuratively push Mike away when she clearly likes him? How is the movie similar to and different from other romantic comedies?
The good stuff
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Messages: A man confronts his aimless existence after a relationship implodes and his mother dies. He pretty much stalks a woman, but somehow this comes off as charming and she falls for him -- though they have to jump through a number of hoops before they end up together. Along the way, they wind up learning quite a lot about themselves and each other.
What to watch for
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Violence: A woman's boyfriend threatens another man with physical harm after he hits him. Earlier in the movie, he shoots the same man with a BB gun.
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Sex: A woman allows a virtual stranger to fondle her behind for no apparent reason; later, they have sex in the laundry room. But there's no outright nudity -- mostly kissing and groping.
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Language: Includes several uses of "f--k" (which is the main reason for the R rating). Other words run the gamut and include "butt," "damn," and more.
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Consumerism: Some name-dropping of a yogurt brand.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking; a man romances a woman by appearing at her door with a free bottle of wine. A man smokes but gives it up because the girl he likes is vehemently opposed to it.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Management by ScooterPie1952
If you enjoy quirky comedies and/or love interest films, you will love this. Very similar to Little Miss Sunshine or Sunshine Cleaners. Steve Zahn and Jennifer Aniston quietly become characters you care about and you start hoping they will overcome their personal faults and find true love in spite of themselves. It doesn't turn out the way happy endings typically do, but you still "feel good" at the end. I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this film I plan to tell everyone I know to see it. So glad we went. It stayed with me all evening.
4
Management by RD-NJ
Both my wife and I liked this a lot.Not an action film or a knee-slapping comedy, this film is about how people get stuck in a rut and how they get "unstuck". I have never been a fan of Jennifer Aniston but she really showed what she can do when cast in a role which has substance. Excellent performance by Aniston and Steve Zahn.
The supporting actors were well-cast and provided excellent performances. A few silly moments - such as fishing in the koi pond of a Buddhist monastery - added a light touch to the film.
Not for everyone - this film is for viewers that like a good story about people. If you liked Juno, you will like this film.
5
Chick flick for guys by Splendor33
A chick flick with kick - men will appreciate this comedy. Not slapstick, but real-life situations you can sink your teeth into with out being over the top heavy. Really good pairing - Aniston and Zahn.
5
A Quirky and Romantic Comedy by sunbro
I took my girlfriend to this film and we found it surprising as love in real life is.
Just when you think that Jennifer Aniston's sales character will "put her foot down" as far as Steve Zahn's smalltown loser motel management character is concerned egarding his awkward advances, she seems to have a change of heart, charmed by his simplicity and sweetness.
Jennifer Aniston proves herself once again to be one of the sexiest, most beautiful personalities on movie screens today. My girlfriend and I were hugging, kissing, laughing, and had tears in our eyes from the most poignant scenes in this movie. Highly recommended.
1
OMG - Sounded good by Chazdad
A movie about a loser stalking a girl because she didn't have the heart to turn him away. What a total waste of time. Woody did well with his part what there was of it. Jennifer did well with a loser role. Not much else she could have done with such a disjointed script. I love a good "Chick Flick" and cry at the drop of a hat. There were no tears in this movie unless you consider tears of frustration, for a waste of time and money. Money can be replaced but time once wasted is lost forever!!!! When you get older you respect time much more and try to invest it well! NOT HERE!!!!!
Kawika in South Jersey
1
Yike! What was Jennifer Aniston thinking? by bebe1978
I guess I'm surprised that she would both produce and star in a film like this. Yowza! That bad! At one point I feel asleep and another I actually wanted to get up and walk out. There just seemed to be little character development and not enough story or supporting characters to keep it interesting.
3
Management by Icemall
Cute little movie. makes you care about the characters. and